SALEM FALLS: James Van Der Beek Stars in Jodi Picoult Adaptation

Salem Falls, based on [easyazon-link asin=”B000FC0TPE”]the 2002 Jodi Picoult novel[/easyazon-link], is the story of Jack McBraddon (St. Bride in the book) – played by Dawson’s Creek alum James Van Der Beek – a beloved teacher and soccer coach at an all girls’ prep school, who has a very large secret to hide.

After a student’s crush at the prep school sends Jack to prison for a crime he didn’t commit, he’s in search of a fresh start. One night he ends up in Salem Falls, a small town in New Hampshire, after an inadvertent run-in with a drunken older man (played by Peter MacNeill from [easyazon-link asin=”B002SAMMEC”]The Good Witch[/easyazon-link] movie franchise): call it lawnmower vs. car on a backwoods street.

As a way to appease his troubles while his car is being repaired, local diner owner and daughter of the drunk older man Addie Peabody – played by Sarah Carter from the TNT series Falling Skies – offers him a job at her diner and a place to stay.

But, just as troubles befell him at the prep school, troubles hit him hard in Salem Falls when a local teenager falls for him. The even bigger problem: the teenager in question – Gillian Duncan (played by AJ Michalka) – is the leader of a trio of teen witches (or at least these young girls believe they are witches).

One failed spell after another by the teen witches creates problems not only for the three young girls but also for Jack, who is the unwitting victim of teen jealousy and salacious accusations. What happens in the woods of Salem Falls one night triggers a modern day witch hunt against Jack that could have a devastating impact on the rest of his life.

Can the budding relationship between Addie and Jack be saved? Will the secrets and lies be revealed in time to save Jack from a disturbing repeat of his past? What is the real reason behind the teens’ obsession with witchcraft and just how much trouble will the teens get into?

This adaptation has plenty of twists and turns, which will keep viewers guessing as to who is the real victim and who is the real criminal; and it provides a few interesting reveals at the end that may or may not have been easy to figure out throughout.

Salem Falls airs Saturday, November 19 at 8/7c on Lifetime.